“Silk” and “satin” get used as if they mean the same thing, but they don’t. Here’s the honest difference — and how to choose.
The short answer
Silk is a fibre; satin is a weave. Silk comes from silkworms. Satin is a way of weaving threads so one side is smooth and shiny — it can be made from silk, but most satin pyjamas (including ours) are made from polyester.
Side by side
| Silk pyjamas | Polyester satin pyjamas | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel | Very soft, lightweight | Smooth and silky, slightly weightier |
| Washing | Usually hand wash or dry clean | Machine washable (cold, gentle) |
| Durability | Delicate; can mark with water and sweat | Hard-wearing and colourfast |
| Breathability | Breathes well | Less breathable than silk |
| Typical price | £100–£300+ a set | £20–£50 a set |
Which should you choose?
If you want the look and feel of silk for everyday wear — or as a gift — satin is the practical choice: it costs a fraction of the price and survives the washing machine. If you run very hot at night or want a natural fibre above all else, real silk or cotton may suit you better.
Our satin pyjamas
Our sets are 95% polyester and 5% elastane satin, in UK sizes 10 to 16. We never call them silk — but they feel silky. Shop satin pyjamas.
Cotton & Modal Pyjamas, Plus Size Pyjamas, Satin Pyjama Sets
£29.99 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product pageCotton & Modal Pyjamas, Satin Pyjama Sets
£32.99 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page- £22.99 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Satin Pyjama Sets, Satin Pyjamas Collection
£24.99 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product pageSatin Pyjama Sets, Satin Pyjamas Collection
£22.99 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product pageSatin Pyjama Sets, Satin Pyjamas Collection
£24.99 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product pageSatin Pyjama Sets, Satin Pyjamas Collection
£29.99 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page- £22.99 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Cotton & Modal Pyjamas, Plus Size Pyjamas, Satin Pyjama Sets, Short Pyjama Sets
£24.99 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product pageCotton & Modal Pyjamas, Plus Size Pyjamas, Satin Pyjama Sets
£27.99 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product pageCotton & Modal Pyjamas, Plus Size Pyjamas, Satin Pyjama Sets
£22.99 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product pagePlus Size Pyjamas, Satin Pyjama Sets, Satin Pyjamas Collection
£22.99 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product pagePlus Size Pyjamas, Satin Pyjama Sets, Satin Pyjamas Collection
£22.99 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product pagePlus Size Pyjamas, Satin Pyjama Sets, Short Pyjama Sets
£22.99 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page- £22.99 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Questions
Is satin the same as silk?
No. Silk is a natural fibre; satin is a weave that can be made from silk or synthetic fibres like polyester.
Are satin pyjamas good for sleeping?
Satin feels smooth and comfortable. Polyester satin is less breathable than silk or cotton, so very hot sleepers may prefer a natural fibre.
Which lasts longer, silk or satin?
Polyester satin is generally more hard-wearing and easier to care for than silk.